Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Jersey City is 48% more expensive than Aurora.

$1,902/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 19%
$94,813/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 5%
$534,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 51%
$2,006/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 21%
289,691
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $4,704/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Aurora — common questions

Is Jersey City or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Aurora?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Aurora?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $4,704/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

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